"Not informed about cancelled ENT appointment"

My father was scheduled to have an appointment with at the ENT clinic today.

He arrived on time and tried using the self check in facility, which did not recognise his details.

He was instructed to go to the main reception desk, which he did, only to be informed by the receptionist that his appointment had been cancelled.

Firstly, he received no notification about the appointment being cancelled and an 87 year old with mobility issues, travelling to the hospital unnecessarily today has left him in pain and quite angry.

Secondly the re-appointment has been scheduled for November! Having to wait another three months to have his ears syringed is only going to heighten his inability to hear properly even longer.

How are patients supposed to be informed of cancellations and when?

I realise short notice cancellations do happen for these so-called non essential services, but this episode today is unacceptable.